Course: Essentials of Nursing Research
Module 7: Understanding the Ethical Considerations of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Implementation
Course Learning Objectives (CLO)
After completing this module, you will be able to do the following:
• CLO 2: Describe the basic concepts, techniques, and methodologies underlying the research process and their application in the study of nursing problems.
• CLO 3: Identify researchable clinical nursing problems with the purpose of improving patient outcomes.
• CLO 6: Integrate research findings into nursing practice to meet the changing needs of clients and professional nursing.
• CLO 8: Identify legal, ethical and cultural considerations in research that involves human subjects.
Overview
This module summarizes the use of ethics in research and the regulations that govern the research process. Various sets of ethical principles that guide healthcare practice are described in detail. The four core ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy and fidelity are defined in the context of ethical decision making in healthcare. There is focus upon the relationship between the four core values and the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) core dimensions of quality.
The module presents principles that protect the rights of human subjects. Ethical considerations as they relate to clinical research and evidence-based quality improvement initiatives are described. Similarities and differences between research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement that have implications for human subjects are identified and discussed. Ethical foundations that relate to clinical research are described and examples of ethical controversies as they relate to evidence-based quality improvement initiatives are provided. The module concludes with describing the ethical responsibilities of patients in the process of improving healthcare.
Learning Materials
• Melnyk, B. M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2015). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN: 978-1-4511-9094-6 Chapters 22
Additional Resources:
• The World Medical Association, Inc. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki.
• University of Maine at Farmington. (2017). The Belmont Report | Institutional Review Board.
• Department of Health and Human Services | National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Policy and procedures: The Intramural NIH Human Research Protection Program (HRPP).
• American Nurses Association. (n.d.) ANA Official Position Statements: Ethics and Human Rights.
Assignment:
Discussion Question:
Describe two historical events that have influenced the development of ethical codes and regulations for nursing and healthcare research.
Explain how each event has impacted ethical codes and regulations.
